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The French playmaker's sublime rabona assist during Manchester City's win over Sunderland this weekend drew gasps from the home crowd and may be a moment of inspiration to turn the tide in this season's championship battle.

However while ex-Manchester City player Steph Houghton called it the best pass of the campaign, boss Pep Guardiola was far less enthusiastic - advising the attacking midfielder to keep things simple.

Cherki was the star of the show at a wet Etihad Stadium, as Guardiola's men ensured there was no slip-up following leaders Arsenal's last-gasp loss at Aston Villa, and now find themselves just two points behind the top.

Cherki had laid it off to Ruben Dias for the first goal, which the defender powered home from 30 yards, but his second assist will be talked about for years.

Cherki ran at Sunderland defender Trai Hume, turned him inside out, before delivering an daring rabona, which the onrushing Phil Foden nodded home via the crossbar.

"I worked for that," Cherki told BBC Match of the Day. "I'm aware of my abilities, which is my technique, when I play with Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland], Omar [Marmoush], it's crucial to give the right passes for them."

It was a sublime pass but Guardiola's post-match comments suggested he didn't approve, cautioning Cherki may need to look at Argentine great Lionel Messi's ability in prioritizing simplicity.

"I've never witnessed Messi play a cross like he has done," stated Guardiola. "He is the best player to play the game but I have never seen such crosses.

"Crossing is okay, with either foot or which part of your feet, it doesn't matter. If it is effective, it is fine, but I like the simplicity because I learned from Messi that I can't go wrong with the simple things.

"The simple things he does perfectly, then he beats four or five players. I want players to do the basics well and after that you have special talent and he can do whatever he wants.

"But if he doesn't work now, it will be a problem. He will be in difficulty."

The assist still attracted plenty of praise, though. Former City defender Houghton, commentating, said: "That assist! Pass of the campaign."

Cherki Will Play a 'Major Part' for Man City

The midfielder received a standing ovation for his virtuoso performance when he was replaced by Savinho in the closing stages.

Upon being named man of the match by smoothing his hair, grinning and nodding in acknowledgment, knowing it had been a good day at the office.

The summer acquisition from Lyon began the campaign in style by scoring in the comprehensive win of Wolves, but sustained a thigh injury thereafter which kept him out for eight weeks.

He now has six assists in 13 games in all tournaments so far, demonstrating he is beginning to hit his stride for City.

The manager needed a creative spark in the attacking areas following the departure of Kevin de Bruyne in the summer and the France international could be the answer.

He created six chances against Sunderland, touching the ball 104 times and contesting 14 duels - metrics which rank higher than any other player on the pitch underscoring his influence on the game.

Ex-Premier League player Danny Murphy said on BBC Sport: "Cherki's been in and out of the City team, being absent through injury at the start of the season, but he has wonderful skill and vision.

"The manager is cautious about having too many players in his side who aren't defensive-minded and he might look at Cherki and ask: 'Is he a number 10, can he play wide?' But Cherki is capable of unlocking teams at any moment with a bit of brilliance.

"Based on recent performances, he is starting to build a nice relationship with Erling Haaland. When you are a striker, you want players willing to attempt the final ball and Cherki is definitely a risk-taker.

"He displayed incredible technique today, not only for the rabona assist, and is going to play a huge part for them going ahead."

Gunners to Drop 'Few Points'

City's comfortable 3-0 victory over the Black Cats cranked the heat up on Arsenal.

This was only the second league defeat suffered by Mikel Arteta's side this season but it could prove incredibly damaging come the end of the campaign.

At the start of November, the Gunners had defeated Burnley to move nine points clear of City but a month later, that lead has been reduced to two.

Unai Emery's Villa have launched themselves into the championship chase, moving just three behind the top following their impressive victory over Arsenal.

Guardiola said: "It is better to be closer than further to the top of the league but from my past of winning the Premier League and titles, it is the consistency.

"Steady performance comes from the manner of play, not from the outcomes or being two points in front or four in front. it is your performance level and how much you improve as a team. Today has been one of the best performances of the year for 95 minutes.

"With the Premier League, I have the sense that Arsenal are going to drop [very] few points - and if we want to be there, we have to win games and games.

"That comes from the manner in which you play, not just for a fortunate afternoon or lucky action."